Department for Transport

*No heading*

lord lester of herne hill: Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the benefits and costs to the UK of membership of the European Maritime Safety Agency.

lord callanan: The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) hosts a range of information systems that are used by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch More broadly, EMSA’s supporting role is broadly in line with the Government’s vision of a maritime transport system driving forward economic growth and market efficiencies. With regard to the Government’s contribution to the EMSA budget, the UK makes a contribution to the EU Budget as a whole, and not to individual spending programmes within it. However, the Government is represented on EMSA’s Administration Board the EMSA management takes full account of better regulation and value for money principles in its ongoing delivery of its services. The Government is considering carefully all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for the continued participation in the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). As part of the exit negotiations the Government will discuss with the EU and Member States how best to continue cooperation in the field of maritime safety, pollution and security.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

*No heading*

lord teverson: Her Majesty's Government whatdiscussions they havehad with the International Atomic Energy Authority following, and in connection with,their decision to withdraw from the Euratom Treaty.

lord prior of brampton: The Department engages regularly with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to ensure that the UK continues to meet international standards for nuclear safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation. In addition, my officials have held discussions in London and Vienna with the IAEA to discuss the arrangements that need to be put in place ahead of the UK’s withdrawal from Euratom.

*No heading*

lord teverson: Her Majesty's Government when they expect to have a UK safeguarding authority that is authorised and approved by the International Atomic Energy Authority to replace the responsibilities undertaken on the UK’s behalf by Euratom.

lord prior of brampton: The Government announced in the Queen’s Speech its intention to introduce legislation to establish a domestic nuclear safeguards regime, to enable the UK to meet international safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation obligations after we leave Euratom. This primary and secondary legislation will provide the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) with the powers needed to take on the role and responsibilities required to meet our international safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation obligations. The ONR is taking its preparatory work forward as a top priority in parallel with the legislative programme.

Northern Ireland Office

*No heading*

lord eames: Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to deal with issues connected with thelegacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland should political parties there fail to reach agreement on the formation of an Executive.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: As set out in the Government’s General Election manifesto we are committed to the implementation of the legacy bodies in the Stormont House Agreement. Much progress has been made on taking these forward and the next phase is to move to public consultation. Following developments in the recent talks, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is reflecting carefully on the next steps for taking forward the legacy consultation.

*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government how many proxy votes were (1) applied for, and (2) granted, in each Northern Ireland constituency in (a) the 2015general election, (b) the2017 general election, (c) the 2016 Northern Ireland Assembly election, and (d) the 2017 Northern IrelandAssembly election.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland does not have a readily accessible record of the number of proxy votes applied for the 2015 Parliamentary election, or the Northern Ireland Assembly elections in 2016 and 2017. It would not be possible to provide the information for the number of proxy votes applied for at any election, other than the 2017 UK Parliamentary General Election, other than at disproportionate cost. The number of proxy votes granted in each of the elections requested are set out below. 



Table - UIN HL672
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*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government how many of the proxy votes granted in Northern Ireland in the 2017 general election were applied for by (1)someone who was a close relative of the elector, and (2)a non–relative; how a close relative is defined for the purposes of the proxy vote system; and whether the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland has a computer system able to record and statistically analyse that data.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Proxy votes must be applied for by the individual themselves; it is not possible for any other person to apply on their behalf. Under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1985, a person is not entitled to vote as proxy at the same parliamentary election in any constituency on behalf of more than two electors for whom that person is not the spouse or civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland does not keep a record of the relationships between the registered voter and their successfully appointed proxy.

*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government How many EU nationals, other than Irish, Cypriot, Maltese and UK citizens, are on the electoral register in Northern Ireland, broken down by constituency; what is the distinction between the G and K markings placed against EU citizens on the electoral register; and what are the differences in the eligibility to votebetween such EU nationals and UK citizens.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The G markings placed against EU citizens on the electoral register denotes their eligibility to vote at local and Assembly elections. The K marking denotes an EU citizen who has confirmed that they intend to vote in Northern Ireland, rather than their home state, at a specific European Parliamentary election. The K designation only lasts for one year and consequently there are currently no individuals with a K marking on the Northern Ireland register. UK, Irish and Commonwealth citizens are eligible to register to vote in UK General Parliamentary Elections. Citizens of EU countries other than the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta (the latter of which are Commonwealth as well as EU countries) cannot vote in UK General Parliamentary Elections, although they can register to vote at local government, and Northern Ireland Assembly elections. The number of EU nationals, other than Irish, Cypriot, Maltese and UK citizens, on the electoral register are shown below. ConstituencyEU nationals on the electoral register (other than Irish, Cypriot, Maltese and UK citizens)Belfast East1943Belfast North1617Belfast South2857Belfast West462East Antrim597East Londonderry1044Fermanagh & South Tyrone3801Foyle636Lagan Valley1330Mid Ulster1919Newry & Armagh3017North Antrim1928North Down708South Antrim1233South Down1165Strangford591Upper Bann4563West Tyrone1114Total30,525

*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government how many people are registered to vote in more than one constituency in Northern Ireland; and, in relation to each constituency in Northern Ireland, how many people are also registered to vote in one or more other constituency.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The total number of registered electors in Northern Ireland registered to vote in more than one constituency is 23. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland holds data in relation to each constituency on how many people are also registered to vote in another constituency. In some constituencies this applies to fewer than five people. A full answer would risk the identification of individuals and is therefore not provided.

*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government what methods are used by the Electoral Office in Northern Ireland to ascertain (1)whether someone applying for a proxy voteis a close relation of the voter, and (2) the validity of proxy vote applications.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Any individual wishing to appoint a proxy to vote in their place must complete an application form providing all the personal details given at registration, including their national insurance number and signature, which are checked against the register. Only those applications passing scrutiny are accepted. Voters are required to state the nature of their relationship to the individual they are nominating as their proxy and all forms contain the warning that making a false statement is a criminal offense. Written confirmation of successful applications is sent to both the applicant and the registered proxy at their registered addresses.

*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to require those voting by proxy to provide their national insurance number, in order to facilitate checks that proxies are not voting on behalf of more thantwo close relatives.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Individuals are entitled to vote as a proxy for an unlimited number of close relatives but may not vote as proxy at the same election in any constituency on behalf of more than two electors to whom they are not a closely related. The administration of proxy voting is an operational matter for the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland who will, following the Parliamentary election in June, conduct a routine post-election review of all administrative procedures. The Government will carefully consider any recommendations it receives concerning proxy voting from both the independent Electoral Commission as well as from the Chief Electoral Officer. The Government will also consider what, if any, of the changes recommended by Sir Eric Pickles in his report on tackling electoral fraud may also be appropriate for Northern Ireland.

Department for Education

*No heading*

lord fearn: Her Majesty's Government how many academies there are in North-West England.

lord nash: As at 1 July 2017 there were 566 academies, free schools, studio schools and University Technical Colleges (UTCs) in the North West region of England. The breakdown of these is as follows: North WestAcademy Converter361Sponsor Led Academy151Free School39Studio School6UTC9Total566As at 1 July 2017 there were 6,925 academies, free schools, studio schools and UTCs in England EnglandAcademy Converter4,615Sponsor Led Academy1,878Free School346Studio School38UTC48Total6,925

*No heading*

baroness stowell of beeston: Her Majesty's Government what provision is made in the National Curriculum for England for pupils to be taught basic financial literacy, with the purpose of learning how to manage personal finances and household budgets.

lord nash: In 2014, financial literacy was made statutory within the National Curriculum and it is now taught as part of the citizenship curriculum for 11 to 16 year olds. Pupils are taught the functions and uses of money, the importance of personal budgeting, money management and the need to understand financial risk. The National Curriculum for mathematics has also been strengthened to give pupils from 5 to 16 the necessary maths they need to make important financial decisions. Many schools include the teaching of financial education in their Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum, drawing on available resources such as the PSHE Association’s non-statutory programme of study. The programme of study sets out that pupils should have the opportunity to learn about how personal financial choices can affect oneself and others and about rights and responsibilities as consumers.

*No heading*

lord storey: Her Majesty's Government what is the average capital cost of free school placeswith regard to (1) the proposed number of places, and (2) the number of places filled.

lord nash: The most recent national analysis of the free schools programme and specifically the costs of free schools was published by National Audit Office (NAO) in its report on Capital Funding for Schools in February this year, which can be accessed via https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Capital-funding-for-schools.pdf.The NAO reported that the average capital costs of a place in a primary free school opening in 2013-14 or 2014-15 was £14,400, while a place in a secondary free school was £19,100.The Department does not calculate nor use the cost per place filled. Many Free Schools open one year group at a time. Therefore the average costs per place filled would not be comparable to other types of schools on this basis nor reflective of the true cost of the school places.

Department for Communities and Local Government

*No heading*

lord storey: Her Majesty's Government what procedures and actions are in place to check the cladding of private multi-storey residential buildings and public buildings.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Testing is underway for social housing providers, private landlords and across the public sector in relation to cladding on tower blocks over 18 metres in height. Testing is being undertaken by the Building Research Establishment where Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding is identified. If the screening tests indicate that such cladding would not meet the limited combustibility requirements of the current Building Regulations guidance, local authorities and housing associations, in conjunction with the fire and rescue service, will determine the best course of action, communicating closely with residents. Where we have results for specific areas, and tenants have been informed of the action to be taken, then further details are being released publicly.

*No heading*

lord kennedy of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what action they have taken to improve fire safety since the inquest into the 2009 Lakanal House fire.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Following the Lakanal House fire the Coroner made a number of recommendations and DCLG followed up on all of them, including priority funding for new fire safety guidance and commissioning new research. Other action which has been taken since 2013 to improve fire safety has included: the introduction of new regulations on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in 2015; the continuing Fire Kills communications campaign; and research which was commissioned into fire safety issues.An independent expert panel has been set up to provide advice to the Government on any immediate measures needed to make buildings safe following the Grenfell Tower fire. The panel will be led by Sir Ken Knight, former London Fire Commissioner and former Government Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser. It will consider safety measures, policies, inspection and regulation, taking account of both the Grenfell Tower fire and ongoing fire safety inspections. It will look at any immediate action required to ensure public confidence that everything possible is being done to make all public and private buildings safe as quickly as possible.

*No heading*

lord storey: Her Majesty's Government what guidance is available for local authorities on the arrangements they should make in the event that a chief executive stands down temporarily.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government has not issued guidance for local authorities on this matter. It is for each local authority to decide for itself what arrangements it should put in place.

HM Treasury

*No heading*

lord taylor of warwick: Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the state of the UK economy and of whether it is growing or shrinking; and in the light of that assessment, whether they intend to continue with Brexit.

lord bates: The fundamentals of the economy remain strong. The UK was the second fastest growing major advanced economy last year and since the start of 2010 the UK has grown by more than Germany and nearly twice as fast as France. The deficit has been cut by three quarters from its pre-crisis peak and the employment rate is the highest on record. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility provide the government with economic and fiscal forecasts for the UK economy twice a year. In their most recent forecast in March of this year, they forecast that growth would be 2.0% in 2017, 1.6% in 2018 and 1.7% in 2019. The public wants the Government to provide certainty and stability and get on with the immediate job of securing a new partnership with the EU which guarantees our long term prosperity.

*No heading*

baroness armstrong of hill top: Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered the introduction offiscal incentives to encourage more philanthropic giving from wealthier members of society.

lord bates: The Government already provides a range of generous tax reliefs for the charity sector, worth over £5 billion including £1.5 billion of relief to individuals in the tax year 2016-2017. This includes higher rate tax relief on donations by higher and additional rate taxpayers, worth £520 million, and relief on gifts of shares and property, worth £70 million. Individuals can also get generous tax reliefs if they invest in a social enterprise including a charity, using the social investment tax relief scheme.

Department for Exiting the European Union

*No heading*

lord higgins: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of theextent to which the effect on the UK economy of no deal on Brexit would be better or worse than the UK remaining in the EU.

baroness anelay of st johns: This Government is determined to deliver on the decision taken by the people of the UK in last year’s Referendum. The Government is undertaking a comprehensive programme of analytical work to assess, across a range of scenarios, the economic impacts of exiting the European Union. It would not be appropriate, however, to publish details that could undermine the UK's negotiating position with the EU.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

*No heading*

lord birt: Her Majesty's Government what is the percentage of premises reached by ultrafast broadband in the UK; and how thatpenetration compares with (1) Japan, (2) South Korea, (3) the US, (4) France, and (5) Germany.

lord ashton of hyde: Ultrafast broadband - referring to speeds of 100 megabits per second and above - is currently available to around 52% of premises in the UK, according to thinkbroadband.com. Internationally, this compares to coverage in: South Korea: 100%; Japan: 98%; USA: 68%; Germany: 64%, and; France: 28%. As well as growing ultrafast coverage the UK has the has the cheapest available fixed broadband services at superfast speeds compared to major European competitors. The UK’s average being quoted at £45 per month, compared to £68 per month in Italy, who were the most expensive. We are keen to support further investment in ultrafast services and facilitate the expansion of full fibre networks. This is why, at Autumn Statement 2016, we announced £1.1 billion to funding to boost the UK’s digital infrastructure.

Department of Health

*No heading*

lord hunt of kings heath: Her Majesty's Government which hospitals havebeeninspected by the Care Quality Commission since 2012 when there was a visit to the paediatric audiology department as part of the inspection process; andin which yearsthose inspections took place.

baroness chisholm of owlpen: This information is not held centrally. The Care Quality Commission looks at a wide range of services when inspecting hospitals.

*No heading*

baroness finlay of llandaff: Her Majesty's Government how many times a hospital doctor has been required to be present during a patient transfer to another NHS Trust in the last 12 months; in each case, what was (1)the medical specialty of the doctor involved, and (2) the grade of the doctor involved; and in how many of those cases was a hospital department left without a consultant available within 30 minutes as a result of that transfer.

baroness chisholm of owlpen: The data requested are not held centrally. Trusts are responsible for staffing arrangements including for ensuring appropriate arrangements and for procedures concerning the transfer of patients to other hospitals.

*No heading*

baroness finlay of llandaff: Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce legislation to regulate (1) physician assistants in anaesthesia, (2) physicians' associates, (3) advance critical care practitioners, and (4) surgical care practitioners; and if so, when.

baroness chisholm of owlpen: The Government is committed to supporting the development of a modern health and care workforce as part of the continuing drive to provide safe, accessible and high quality care for patients and service users. The extension of statutory regulation to currently unregulated groups will only be considered where there is a solid body of evidence demonstrating a level of risk to the public which cannot be addressed through other means of assurance, including Accredited Voluntary Registers. As the Secretary of State announced in his speech to NHS Providers in November 2016, the Department is developing proposals for a public consultation to consider whether physician associates should be regulated.